I see people who live their entire lives in a state of discontentment. Regardless of how much they accomplish, they are never satisfied. Yes, we should have goals, but it is equally important to be satisfied and contented in your current state.
I often see couples who are never enjoying the various stages of their children’s lives because they are rushing to experience the next phase. In writing to the Philippian Church, Paul had some wise words to relay.
“How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:10–13 NLT).
It is believed that Paul was imprisoned when he wrote to the Philippians. He was expressing his sentiments to the church at Phillipi for the gifts he had received from them. He went on to say, “But you understand that I am not dependent on this. Regardless of my situation—whether good or bad—I will be content because God gives me the strength to press through the situation.”
Contentment is defined as: “freedom from care or discomfort; gratification to the point where one is not disturbed or disquieted although every wish is not fully realized.” The Greek word translated content means “to be master of the situation; to be a victor; or to be a conqueror of circumstances.” It is essential to realize that you can be a conqueror of your circumstances and, therefore, be contented in those circumstances.
When you commit your ways to Him, He will bring the desires in your heart to pass in His time.Lynette Hagin
Of all the men in the New Testament, Paul is my favorite. His writings encourage me. In everything Paul experienced—being beaten, stoned, imprisoned, and shipwrecked—he looked at every situation in a positive way.
To be contented the way Paul meant is one of life’s greatest victories. He was a master of his circumstances. Too many people have this in reverse. They allow their situation to master them. Your destiny is determined by the decisions you make and the attitude you take. As the saying goes: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
How can you live in continued contentment? First and foremost, you must be committed to following God wholeheartedly. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” We must allow God to be first in our lives.
I have also relied on the following verses:
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:4–5 NKJV).
Commit means to hand over for safekeeping. Who better could you hand your life over to but God who will always lead you down the right path? When you commit your ways to Him, He will bring the desires in your heart to pass in His time.
Be content with the talents God has endowed you with. Don’t always wish you could do what others are gifted in. I have always admired people with artistic ability. That is certainly not my talent. I used to cringe in elementary school during art class. I have no skill in that area.
But rather than being discontented with myself, I concentrate on the talent God has given me. Organizational skills are what I am gifted with. Organizing events or establishing office procedures comes with no effort on my part.
I encourage you to evaluate the talents God has given you. Be content with them and strive to improve them. As I concentrated on what God gifted me with, I have far exceeded what I thought my ability was in those areas. And most of all, always keep a positive attitude regardless of the situations you may find yourself in.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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